Pennsylvania
uses the Graduated Drivers License program (GDL) to help keep teen drivers safe
. You can start the program at 16 years old, and if you follow the mandatory steps, you could have your unrestricted driver’s license
when you’re 18. What is the driving age in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the minimum driving age is 16 for a Graduated Drivers License. Drivers can’t apply for a standard unrestricted driver’s license until they are 18 years old.
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What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses the Graduated Drivers License program (GDL) to help prevent car accidents among teen drivers. The unfortunate reality is that motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death among teens in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). With the GDL program, young drivers can gain driving experience before hitting the road with full driving privileges. In Pennsylvania, the program includes three stages:
Junior Learner’s Permit: Supervised daytime driving
Junior Driver’s License: Limited unsupervised daytime driving
Regular Driver’s License: Unrestricted standard driver’s license
How to get your Junior Learner’s Permit in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, once you turn 16 years old, you can apply for a Junior Learner’s Permit. You’ll need to visit your local PennDOT office to take a knowledge test and vision screening. While you’re there, pick up a copy of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual to help you study for your written exam. You can also use the online version
. Once you’re ready, make sure to bring the following materials with you to the PennDOT office:
Identification and proof of your date of birth
Two pieces of proof of residency
Your Social Security number
Payment for the $35.50 fee (they do not accept cash)
Once you receive your learner’s permit, it will be valid for a year. If the end of the year rolls around and you don’t feel prepared for your driver’s exam, you can ask for an extension. It’s recommended that you schedule your driver’s test when you get your permit so that the PennDOT can print it on the back of your permit.
Junior Learner’s Permit restrictions
With a Junior Learner’s Permit, you have to abide by the following restrictions:
You must drive with an adult (21 years+ or a parent/guardian 18 years+ with a license) in the vehicle with you
You are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am (exceptions are available for work or charity)
You can’t have more passengers than seatbelts in the car
How to get your Junior Driver’s License in Pennsylvania
Once you’ve had your Junior Learner’s Permit for at least six months, it’s time to apply for a Junior Driver’s License! You’ll need a signed Certificate of Completion stating you’ve finished your 65 hours of driving practice. Of those 65 hours, ten should be at night and five in bad weather.
Schedule your appointment at your local PennDOT online
or by calling (800)-423-5542. You’ll need to bring: A completed Parent/Guardian Certification form
Registration and proof of insurance for the car you’re driving
Your supervising driver’s driver's license
Key Takeaway Remember to bring your Parent/Guardian Certification form, the vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance, and your supervising driver’s driver’s license to your appointment.
Junior Driver’s License restrictions
Even with a Junior’s Driver’s License, you still have to abide by certain restrictions. You still won’t be able to drive between 11 pm and 5 am without paperwork exempting you for school or charity reasons. You also still need to limit your number of passengers to the number of seatbelts—and all passengers must be wearing their seatbelts at all times.
For the first six months, you can’t drive more than one underaged passenger (who isn't your immediate family) without a parent or guardian in the car. If you maintain a clean record, you can drive up to three passengers under 18 years old after six months.
How to get your Senior Driver’s License in Pennsylvania
You’ve finally made it! Now that you’re 17 and a half years old, you’re ready to get your Senior Driver’s License. First, you’ll have to finish a driver's education course
and have the following: No driving violations in the last year
No at-fault accidents in the previous year
Your Junior Driver’s License for at least one year
The approval of your parent, guardian, or spouse
Once you’ve met all of these requirements, congratulations! You’re ready to receive your Senior Driver’s License and become a fully licensed Pennsylvania driver.
How to save on car insurance in Pennsylvania
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